Key Facts About This Therapy and How to Get it From an Orthopedic Doctor Near You in Wichita
As a team of orthopedic doctors and surgeons, we see a variety of patients that experience a vast range of orthopedic issues. Some of these issues can heal on their own using holistic at-home treatment methods and rest. Other issues are more serious and may require a form of orthopedic surgery, such as arthroscopic surgery or joint replacement surgery.
Whatever the case may be, our goal as orthopedic doctors is to get you as close to 100 percent as possible so that you can reclaim your quality of life. That means reducing symptoms of pain, stiffness, or discomfort while affording your joints with as much mobility as possible. We also try to do this on the quickest timeline possible; however, processes like healing and recovery aren’t generally susceptible to being accelerated. Not until the introduction of orthobiologics, that is.
Orthobiologics is a form of therapy used in advanced orthopedics, which accelerates the healing process for numerous orthopedic issues. What differentiates this therapy from other forms of treatment is that it uses the patient’s own naturally occurring compounds to promote healing. The following are the top five things to know about orthobiologic treatment.
#1 – Orthobiologics Are Tissue-Derived Compounds
Everything needed for orthobiologic treatments lies with the patient. Orthobiologics are created using the complex carbohydrates, cells, proteins, and glycoproteins harvested from the patient. Since orthobiologics use only naturally occurring substances found in the human body, the treatments are incredibly safe with virtually zero risk factors.
#2 – There Are Multiple Types of Orthobiologic Treatments
Cells and naturally occurring compounds in the body have different functions, which means they can be combined in different ways for orthobiologic treatments. The two most common treatments include:
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections: This particular type of orthobiologic treatment uses a high concentration of platelets combined with white blood cells. PRP injections promote accelerated healing and are used to treat issues such as inflammation and injuries of the tendons and ligaments.
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections: Similar to PRP injections, bone marrow aspirate concentrate injections utilize naturally occurring cells in the patient. BMAC injections are derived from cells found in the patient’s bone marrow. These bone marrow cells are ideal for decreasing inflammation, improving circulation, and regenerating healthy cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
#3 – Orthobiologics Are Generally Not the First Wave of Treatment
Although orthobiologics have proven to be effective, they are generally not the first or second wave of treatment that orthopedic doctors administer to patients. Depending on the patient’s injury or orthopedic issue, most doctors will try different combinations before arriving at orthobiologics. In most cases, rest, physical therapy, heat/ice therapy, medications, corticosteroid injections, and other non-invasive treatments go a long way.
#4 – There is a Recovery Time Associated with Orthobiologic Treatments
Patients who undergo orthobiologic treatments should expect a certain length of recovery time. However, much of this is dependent on the patient, the type of treatment they’re getting, and the area of the body they’re getting it. Some patients report feeling sore for up to a week while others report feeling mild soreness or nothing at all.
#5 – Most Insurance Carriers Don’t Cover Orthobiologic Treatments
One of the big reasons why orthobiologic treatments are a lesser-used form of healthcare amongst patients is because most insurance carriers don’t cover the treatments. This means that the patient must pay the full amount out of pocket. Depending on the specific orthobiologic treatment, the cost can be fairly expensive. However, some patients find the expense worth it because orthobiologic treatments may work when other treatments have not.
Looking for an Orthopedic Doctor Near You in Wichita? Contact Mid-America Orthopedics
Here at Mid-America Orthopedics, we do have orthopedic doctors on staff that can perform orthobiologic treatments, and they will be more than happy to discuss that option with you. However, most patients are able to get the joint pain relief they need using other methods.
If you’re currently experiencing joint pain or other orthopedic issues, your best course of action is to contact us to arrange an appointment for an exam and consultation. During this initial appointment, one of our experienced orthopedic doctors will examine the joint and potentially order X-rays or an MRI. Once they have a better idea of what your condition entails, they will be able to devise a treatment plan that’s specific to you.
In the event that you require orthopedic surgery, Mid-America Orthopedics has one of the most experienced teams of surgeons in the Wichita area. They can perform arthroscopic surgery, total joint replacement surgery, and more. We also have a team of physical therapists at our practice that help patients through the rehabilitation process.
Set up an appointment with the experienced team at Mid-America Orthopedics Wichita today. You can email us directly using the contact form on our website or call us at (316) 630-9300.